“We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .

. . . that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable (meaning not to be separated) Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” These excerpts are from the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence (7/4/1776). The words in the first sentence have always impressed me but the older I get the more important and salient they become.

I would like to extend my sympathy, concern support to all of the folks who may have loved ones who may still not be accounted for in the WTC NYC devastation. I pray and have hope that it is still possible to rescue survivors from the debris. All of the best to all of the rescuers for doing their best and working such long hours under extreme, potentially dangerous conditions. The American people are proud of and appreciate what you are doing.

I’m sure that the perpetrators responsible for the lives of more than 6,000 people and the massive destruction of the buildings of the World Trade Center Complex were “created equal” but what happened to them after they were born into their world and into their formative years is anyone’s guess. Many of us come into this world with the potential to be great human beings -- we can become an Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein or a Mother Theresa. As we all know, the environment that we are exposed to in our formative years has a lot to do with the way we turn out as intelligent, productive people. Coming into this world as a US citizen or a citizen in any other free country gives one that opportunity. But being born into a third world country in the year 2001 brings very little promise for a healthy “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” As Americans we should be grateful that we live in a country that is, for the most part civilized, productive and always willing to help our unfortunate neighbors, foreign and domestic, even if it means spending billions of dollars and many precious American lives.

Some of the reports that I have seen and read, over the past ten days, refer to the perpetrators as “animals” but as I see it, this is an insult to the entire animal kingdom -- animals don‘t even do what these criminals did. Those responsible can only be characterized as devils. They have no honor nor regard for innocent human life. We not only have to be concerned with the threat of foreign terrorists but domestic terrorism as well -- some folks will never accept this thinking.

Who are these devils? Where do they come from? Who supports them? Are they a relatively small band or a large sect with thousands of members and followers? How many live in the USA? How do we track them down, capture them and punish them for their evil deeds and criminal acts? What can we, as Americans, do to prevent this from happening again? Did the perpetrators or anyone else even know that they could cause a 110 story skyscraper to come crashing down by flying an air liner into the mid-section using knives and box-cutters? America will recover from this tragedy and we will be much stronger for it.

As friend John D’s slogan says -- “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance!“ But at the same time we also need to be careful that we don't paint an entire religious community or different nationalities with a broad brush.

 

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Hunting season for certain NYS species has already opened in our region and around the state. Please make sure you check your Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, 2001-2002 for season dates, bag limits and other information before venturing out into fields, woods and water.

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I’ve already heard two separate incident reports from friends. That while they were hunting during the early goose season, they were surprised to discover that someone heard their shots, called the police and were surprised by multiple police vehicles and officers responding to the scene -- only to find that the hunters were completely legal, safe and hunting in accordance with NYS Conservation Law.

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The Orange County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. (the Shooters Committee On Political Education) meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 8PM, at the Walden Sportsmen Club, Route #52, between Walden and Pine Bush. OCSCOPE recently sent questionnaires to many OC candidates. Call Mike Kubow for more information at 496-1183.

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“If guns, ammunition and knives are outlawed -- only outlaws, criminals and terrorists will have guns, ammunition and knives.”
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It doesn’t surprise me that during certain times of unrest e.g., the recent disaster at the World Trade Center and in the past certain riots on the West Coast, that firearms and ammunition sales are either stopped by store management or local supplies become exhausted by folks who may typically be anti-2nd Amendment anti-Bill of Rights until they realize that they may have to defend themselves and their homes in the time of trouble. But the recent National Tragedies both in NYC and Washington, DC proves that we must be always be prepared to defend our families, our homes and our families. I received reports early on that the sales of hunting knives was stopped in certain major chains when it was discovered that the hijackers used box-cutters and knives to overtake the planes. I guess kitchen knives and baseball bats were OK to sell even though these items are used many times in assaults -- probably many times more than firearms.
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If you are hunting migratory birds in NYS this year don’t forget to apply for your HIP number. You can do this on-line at www.wetland.net or call 1-888-427-5447. This HIP number will then have to be written in on the back of your hunting license  in the space provided. You will need this number even if you hunt Woodcock.